IJRET: International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology

eISSN: 2319-1163 | pISSN: 2321-7308

POWER GENERATION USING MAGLEV WINDMILL

Harshal Vaidya1, Pooja Chandodkar2, Bobby Khobragade3, R.K. Kharat4
1

Student, Department of EEE, Marathwada Institute of Technology, Maharashtra, India

Student, Department of EEE, Marathwada Institute of Technology, Maharashtra, India
3
Student, Department of EEE, Marathwada Institute of Technology, Maharashtra, India
4
Assistant Professor, Department of EEE, Marathwada Institute of Technology, Maharashtra, India
2

Abstract
The paper project describes the implementation of different type of a wind turbine for purpose of power generation. A vertical
axis wind turbine (VAWT) with use of magnetic levitation technology for optimal performance of wind turbine has been discussed.
With the merits of conventional VAWT, the merits of starting at low wind-speed, higher efficiency, low noise emission, etc. are
also discussed. The major consequence in front of conventional wind turbine is loss of energy during rotation. By using nature of
permanent magnet as a perfect replacement for ball bearings levitation of the turbine is intended thus reducing energy losses
while rotation. Using this effect wind turbine blades are placed on a rod for obtaining stability during rotation. Power is then
generated by using an axial flux generator, which has incorporated the utilization of permanent magnets and a set of coils.

Keywords: VAWT, Magnet, Magnetic Levitation, Wind Turbine, Energy, Wind Power
--------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------1. INTRODUCTION
An important factor in development of human resource is
the Energy. As conventional energy sources are exhausting
rigorously, the development of inexhaustible and renewable
energy resources, like wind, solar is essential for human life.
The wind power been utilized by human being for a greater
time period and the technology linked with it is more
modified compared to other non-polluting energies. Today
wind power is attracting the benefits of power sector and
their application is entering into quicker development.
The merits for vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) can be
noted such as requirement of minimum cost, easy
installation, easy maintenance, and the capability to accept
wind from all directions. Compared with the traditional
horizontal axis wind turbine, this type is levitated or
suspended with the help of magnetic levitation directing
vertical on a rotor shaft. This technology is utilized as an
efficient replacement for ball bearings having its application
on the traditional wind turbine. This technology is usually
implemented with permanent magnets and is used in
between the rotating shaft of turbine blades and base of
wind turbine system. The entire rotor weight of wind turbine
is balanced by magnetic bearings. The friction of the
bearings is eliminated and hence need for bearing
lubrication is also eliminated with decrease in the
maintenance cost.
Further, this magnetic suspension eliminates mechanical
vibration reducing noise. As low friction reduces starting
torque of turbine, the magnetic bearings facilitates by
producing power at lower wind speed as compared with use
of conventional bearings.
Normal VAWT requires very different adjusting mechanism
for blades making its structure complicated, costly in

fabrication and wastage of power. But comparing with

traditional VAWT the blades of magnetic VAWT are
constructed for automatic pitch adjustment and hence
requirement of any equipment is eliminated. The adjustment
of blade pitch is performed naturally during rotation for the
necessary angle of attack. This results in production of
maximum thrust of wind force improving the efficiency.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Wind Power
Wind is considered as another form of solar energy because
of its origination from difference in heating of atmosphere
by sun. The winds relevant to applications of wind turbines
are local winds and planetary winds. The second one is most
available. Hence it constitutes as important consideration in
locating the sites for proper working of wind turbines. The
locations of these winds are generally along sea shore,
mountain, valleys and open plains.
The wind force may be very strong. During the ancient
period, human harnessed this force for important usage like
the propulsion of ships using sails before the invention of
the engines, in windmills for grinding grain or pumping
water for cause of irrigation. At the beginning of the
twentieth century concept of electricity found its use and
windmills got converted into wind turbines with the rotor
coupled to an electric generator. Electricity generated from
the wind does not produce Carbon Dioxide emissions and
therefore does not contribute to the greenhouse effect.

2.2 Types of Turbines

Wind Turbines are divided into two classes: horizontal axis
wind turbines (HAWTs) and vertical axis wind turbines
(VAWTs).

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Volume: 05 Issue: 06 | Jun-2016, Available @ http://ijret.esatjournals.org

325

IJRET: International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology

eISSN: 2319-1163 | pISSN: 2321-7308

2.2.1. Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines

Horizontal axis wind turbine can be visualized as
conventional box fan, a set of blades connected to a shaft
that is parallel to the ground; however, function of turbine is
the opposite of a box fan. It normally consists of two to
three blades connected to a shaft that is connected to a
generator which will produce energy from shaft work. There
are two main types of HAWTs, ones that face into wind and
ones that face away from wind. Turbines that face into wind
require a rudder or some other type of mechanism to be able
to self-orientate to face incoming wind. Those that face
away from the wind do not need this rudder to self-orientate,
however they suffer from a vibration due to support tower
blocking part of wind flow.

Fig -2: Savonius Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

ii. Darrieus Turbine Type
French aeronautical engineer, Georges Darrieus invented
this turbine. Darrieus type blades use lift forces from wind
to rotate the blades. The blades have an airfoil shape, and
instead of being oriented horizontally as they would be on
an airplane, they are oriented vertically. The air that travels
along the outside of the curve must travel at a greater speed
than the air on the inside of the blade. This creates an area of
lower pressure on the outside of the blade, and therefore a
net force on the blade to the outside. By controlling the
angle of the blade, this net force causes the blade to rotate.

Fig -1: Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine

2.2.2. Vertical Axis Wind Turbines
Vertical axis wind turbines operate on same principle of
converting rotational movement due to wind into shaft work,
which is then converted into electricity through the use of a
generator. VAWTs contain a shaft that is perpendicular to
ground. Unlike the HAWTs, the VAWTs can catch the wind
regardless of the position that they are facing, which can
lead to them being more versatile. Also, VAWTs are able to
function in more irregular wind patterns than HAWTs are
able to. There are two primary blade designs that are used
for VAWTs that operate on different principles: the
Savonius type and the Darrieus type.
i. Savonius Turbine Type
Finnish engineer Sigurd Savonius invented the Savonius
model. Savonius type blade design uses aerodynamic drag
from wind to rotate the blades and produce power. Savonius
type blades are rugged and simplistic. This can reduce costs
since they are easier to manufacture, need less maintenance,
and can last longer in harsher environments. However, they
are roughly half as efficient as other lift type such as the
Darrieus designs.

Fig -3: Darrieus Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

There are many different variations of the traditional
Darrieus type, also referred to as the egg-beater type;
these variations include the Giromill (or the H-Type
Darrieus), the Gorlov helical turbine, and the cycloturbine.
Due to the blade going into the wind as opposed to with the
wind (as it does in the Savonius type blade), it can spin
faster than the speed of the wind, which results in a higher
efficiency. However, this higher efficiency comes with a

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Volume: 05 Issue: 06 | Jun-2016, Available @ http://ijret.esatjournals.org

326

IJRET: International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology

great cost. The blade is harder to manufacture than a

Savonius blade, increasing the cost of production. Also,
normal Darrieus type VAWTs are not self-starting, and thus
needs to have a motor or other solution to bring it up to a
sufficient speed where it can start producing its own energy.

3. SYSTEM MODELLING
3.1 Wind Power Generation

eISSN: 2319-1163 | pISSN: 2321-7308

3.3 Generator
The generator converts mechanical energy of the shaft into
electrical energy output. While designing the axial flux
generator observation can be noted that the operating
capacity of generator depends on permanent magnet
alternators. For these generators air gap is arranged in
perpendicular direction to rotating axis and hence produces
magnetic fluxes in parallel direction to rotating axis.

3.4 How Power is Generated

Fig -4: Block Diagram of Wind Power Generation

When the air strike the blade of the turbine, due to the action
of repulsive force of the magnet the rotation of the blade
increase resulting in rotation of the shaft. Hence induced
emf is generated in the generator. Output of turbine is AC
power. The bearing arrangement is totally replaced by the
neodymium magnet which gives high repulsive force. With
the help of this force small amount of air pressure gives
maximum rotation which results in large power generation.

3.2 Power from Wind Turbine

The power rises as cube of the wind velocity and can be
calculated with respect to area in which the wind and wind
velocity is available. When wind is in motion the energy
produced is kinetic energy. Hence the power from turbine is
related to the kinetic energy produced.
1

Kinetic Energy = MV 2
2
The volume V flowing in unit time through an area A, with
wind speed V is denoted by AV and mass M is the product
of Volume V and density so: M = AV
Putting the M in equation of kinetic energy we get:
1

Kinetic Energy = (AV)V 2 = (AV 3 )

But Power is nothing but the kinetic energy generated by the
turbine.
1
1
Hence, Power = 2 (AV)V 2 = 2 (AV 3 )
Where: Air Density () = 1.225 kg/m3
Area (A) = Swept Area of turbine blades
Velocity (V) = wind speed in m/s

Wind turbines serve as a means to transform the kinetic

energy of wind into power. This process begins when wind
contacts the turbine blades and transfers some of its kinetic
energy to them, forcing them to rotate. Since the blades are
connected to the main shaft through the rotor, the shaft
rotates as well, creating mechanical energy. The main shaft
is usually connected to a gear box which rotates a parallel
shaft at about 30 times the rate of the main shaft. At high
enough wind speeds, this amplification creates sufficient
rotational speeds for the generator electrical output.
Generators generally used in turbines are off-the-shelf and
use electromagnetic induction to produce an electrical
current. In these generators permanent magnets are arranged
surrounding a coil. The shaft connects to the magnet
assembly, spinning it around the stationary coil of wire and
creating a voltage in the wire. The voltage is what drives the
electrical current out of the wire and into power lines to be
distributed.

4. MAGNETIC SUSPENSION (LEVITATION)

4.1 Principle
Magnetic levitation can be explained as technology which
suspends or levitates an object with the help of magnetic
forces for getting support without any contact and low
friction during motion. Due to absence of mechanical
contact in the magnetic bearing, advantages of no wear and
tear, suitability for long-term use in any environment,
absence of mechanical friction, low noise, less amount of
power loss and absence of lubrication or sealing can be
achieved. Therefore, this technology is beneficial for highspeed applications to satisfy the objective of eliminating
mechanical problems power loss.

4.2 Use of Magnetic Levitation in Wind Turbine

In recent years, due to rapid growth in the use of material for
designing permanent magnet, the magnetic suspension using
permanent magnets are approaching towards wind turbine
application leading to reduction in the cost as well as
stringency of wind power. Due to use of magnetic levitation
concept the advantages marked below has obtained:
1. Reduction in starting wind speed
Due to elimination of friction the power output is increased
for the same value of wind speed. Hence reduction in
starting speed is obtained.
2. Due to utilization of magnetic levitation, design of the
conventional wind turbine rotor has largely been affected.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Volume: 05 Issue: 06 | Jun-2016, Available @ http://ijret.esatjournals.org

327

IJRET: International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology

The use of conventional bearings is based upon careful

lubrication for greater service life and higher reliability.
With the reduction in operational cost as well as
maintenance cost of the bearings reduction in the downtime
of turbine is achieved improving the overhaul efficiency.

5. CONSTRUCTION OF PROTOTYPE
5.1 Magnet Selection
The four configurations in commercial list of magnets are
based on formation of their material each configuration of
magnet consisting with them its own magnetic properties.
Neodymium Iron Boron (Nd-Fe-B) is the new invention in
commercialized magnets which constitute highest magnetic
properties compared to other magnets at room temperature

eISSN: 2319-1163 | pISSN: 2321-7308

5.2 Magnet Placement

Two ring shaped neodymium (NdFeB) magnets are arranged
at middle of shaft by which necessary suspension between
stator and rotor is obtained. Similarly disc magnets having
parameters 10 mm in diameter and 4 mm height are placed
as one North Pole and one South Pole one after the other,
along the rotor circumference of 40 cm diameter. These
magnets supply the useful flux which is utilized for the
power generation.

From Figure-5 B-H curve depicts attractive magnetic

characteristic of Nd-Fe-B offering high flux density with the
ability of resisting the property of demagnetization.

Fig -6: Magnet Placement of NdFeB Magnets

Fig -5: B-H Curve of different Magnets

This configuration becomes most important because of
levitation of heavy load and rotation at high speeds
exhibiting a high force directing downward on the axis.
If shape of magnets considered where ring or circular, they
can be placed on shaft with same poles facing each other
enabling repelling force to provide support to weight of
turbine which minimizes use of magnets required to fulfill
the idea.
The permanent magnets selected were the N42 grade Nd-FeB having ring shape which consist of nickel plating for
strengthening and protecting the magnet..

Fig -7: Magnet Placement of Disc Magnets on rotor

5.3 Coil Design and Arrangement

To design the definite number of turns per coil is difficult. If
the more turns are wound it increase the emf generated from
each coil but increase the size of every coil. For minimizing
the size, wire having higher gauge can be used. If the
diameter of wire is small low amount of current flows
leading to heating of wire because of the increased
resistance of wire which another difficult task.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Volume: 05 Issue: 06 | Jun-2016, Available @ http://ijret.esatjournals.org

328

IJRET: International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology

While designing generator for given application, fact must

be known that the problem attached with large coil size is
the problem field density. The increase in coil height
increases gap between two magnets leading to reduction in
magnetic flux. Hence necessary voltage and current must be
balanced.

eISSN: 2319-1163 | pISSN: 2321-7308

5. CONCLUSION
The concept of vertical axis wind turbine using magnetic
levitation successfully worked. Comparing with traditional
horizontal wind turbines, single Maglev turbine having large
capacity gives more output.
The turbine efficiency is improved by utilization of magnets
helping to spin with fast speed with negligible friction as it
cancels out the stress on the shaft of the turbine. This
modern design of turbine gives more power output with
higher efficiency compared to conventional wind turbine.
For avoiding the vibration of the rotor, shaft was used..

Fig -10: Coil and Design

The Coil placement is organised on the stator circumference
exactly under the disc magnets placed on rotor. Each coil is
kept in series to get maximum output voltage.
The wire used to design the turns of one coil is of 24 gauge
having 100 turns. 15 sets of coils are arranged in series
connection in the prototype. The coil arrangement is shown
in figure.

The standard windmills having set of 1000 windmills

powers 5 lakhs homes while single maglev wind turbine is
capable supplying power to 7.5 lakhs homes. The required
area for single maglev windmill is less than 100 acres while
field of 1000 windmills require more than 64,000 acres.
From this observation we can say that a single maglev wind
turbine is economical compared to Conventional wind
turbine

6. FUTURE SCOPE
The vertical axis wind turbine with magnetic levitation may
be mounted on residences. Here it can be erected on rooftop
with very efficient and practical approach. House owner
would be capable for extraction of free and clean energy
with a minimized utility cost. For medium power generation
this design can be used.
Power generated from this turbine can be utilized in remote
places where traditional method of supplying power is
costlier. Power generated from turbine can be efficiently
used for Street/domestic lighting and domestic appliances.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We are thankful to Dr J. H. Godihal, Principal,
Marathwada Institute of Technology, Aurangabad for his
encouraging attitude. We are also grateful to the Prof. Mrs.
S. M. Badave, H.O.D, Dept. of Electrical and Electronics
Engineering for providing a solid background for our studies
and research thereafter. We would like to give our gratitude
and thanks to Prof. Ms. R. K. Kharat for her precious
guidance and encouragement.

Fig -11: Coil Arrangement

4.6 Blade Design

Savonius type blade design is used because they are rugged
and simplistic reducing cost. The manufacture is easier, less
maintenance, and durable in harsher environments.
This design was obtained from aluminum sheet and due to
the flexible nature of the metal sheet, desired shape was
obtained. The blade was designed for height of 400mm.

We feel pleasure to express our profound gratitude to the

teaching and non-teaching staff of Electrical and Electronics
Engineering and our friends for their valuable
encouragement, timely suggestions and continuous support
and providing us with all the necessary information.
Lastly, we feel obliged for blessings of our beloved parents

REFERENCES
[1] Minu John, Rohit John, Syamily P.S, and Vyshak P.A
Maglev Windmill, International Journal of Research in
Engineering and Technology, Volume: 03, Issue: 05, May2014.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Volume: 05 Issue: 06 | Jun-2016, Available @ http://ijret.esatjournals.org

329

IJRET: International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology

eISSN: 2319-1163 | pISSN: 2321-7308

[2] Dinesh N Nagarkar and Dr. Z. J. Khan, Wind Power

Plant Using Magnetic Levitation Wind Turbine,
International-Journal of Engineering and Innovative
Technology (IJEIT) Volume 3, Issue1, July 2013.
[3] Vishal D Dhareppgoal and Maheshwari M Konagutti,
REGENEDYNE Maglev Wind Power Generation, SARCIRAJ International Conference, Pune, India, 16th June 2013.
[4] A. Albani, and M. Z. Ibrahim, Preliminary
Development of Prototype of Savonius Wind Turbine For
Application In Low Wind Speed In Kuala Terengganu,
Malaysia, International Journal of Scientific & Technology
Research (IJSTR) Volume 2, Issue 3, March 2013.
[5] Tapan H. Barot, Hitesh Jariwala, and Mayur Kevadiya,
A Review on Straight Bladed Vertical Axis H-Type
Darrieus Wind Turbine, International Journal of Innovative
Research in Science Engineering and Technology Vol. 4,
Special Issue 6, May 2015.
[6] Girish M Prajapati, Abrarkhan Pathan, and Mr. B. J
Patel, A Review: Aerodynamic Analysis On Vertical Axis
Wind Turbine Blade, International Journal of Advance
Engineering and Research Development Volume 1, Issue
12, December -2014.
[7] Piyush Gulve, and Dr. S.B.Barve, Design And
Construction Of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine, International
Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology
(IJMET), Volume 5, Issue 10, pp. 148-155, October 2014.
[8] Prof. S A Mohan Krishna, An Investigative Study on
Design and Thermodynamic Aspects Of A Light Duty
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine, International Journal of
Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 1
Issue 8, October 2014.
[9] Yamini Sarathi, Khemraj Patel, Arti Tirkey, Prakash
Kumar Sen and Ritesh Sharma, Study On Wind Turbine
And Its Aerodynamic Performance, International Journal of
Mechanical Engineering and Robotic Research Vol. 4, No.
1, January 2015.
[10] B. Loganathan, I. Mustary, H. Chowdhury and F. Alam,
Study of a Savonius Type Wind Turbines for its
Aerodynamic Characteristics, 19th Australian Fluid
Mechanics Conference Melbourne, Australia, 8-11
December 2014.
[11] Ashwin Dhote, and Prof. Vaibhav Bankar, Design,
Analysis and Fabrication of Savonius Vertical Axis Wind
Turbine, International Research Journal of Engineering and
Technology (IRJET) Volume: 02 Issue: 03, pp. 2048-2054,
Jun-2015.
[12] B. Bittumon, Amith Raju, Harish Abraham Mammen,
Abhy Thamby and Aby K Abraham, Design and Analysis
of Maglev Vertical Axis wind Turbine, International
Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced
Engineering Volume 4, Issue 4, pp. 374-379, April 2014.
[13] Hardik Patel and Sanat Damania, Performance
Prediction of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Blade,
International Journal of Innovative Research in Science,
Engineering and Technology Vol. 2, Issue 5, May 2013
[14] Amit D. Patil, Amit W. Chake, Manoj I. Helonde and
Pravin M. Gupta, Vertical Axis Wind Turbine with Maglev
Technology, International Journal for Scientific Research &
Development, Vol. 2, Issue 12, 2015.
[15] Ajay L. Parate, Pawan M. Kumbhare, Rahul C. Patekar,
and Pravin Gupta, Maglev Power Generation- A Review ,
International Journal for Scientific Research &
Development, Vol. 2, Issue 12, 2015.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Volume: 05 Issue: 06 | Jun-2016, Available @ http://ijret.esatjournals.org

330